Ben Rhydding lose cup final thriller by one run (From Wharfedale Observer)

Ben Rhydding lose cup final thriller by one

2:01pm Monday 27th August 2012 in Sport

A magnificent innings from Redmond Bolton created a pulsating finish to the Waddilove Cup final but Ben Rhydding still fell one agonising run short of victory against Collingham.

The match, washed out on its original start day, looked poised in Collingham’s favour when the second attempt was halted with 15 overs still to go.

Chasing Collingham’s 182, Ben Rhydding needed 76 more to win, having lost their top five batsmen and many thought it would be just a formality when the sides re-assembled at Ilkley for the third time.

But no one had told Ben Rhydding, especially Bolton.

He hit a quick-fire 43 and turned the game around. Even when Ben Rhydding lost their ninth man at 137, they wouldn’t give up and Bolton and Alex Miller (12no) reached the last over needing 10 runs to tie, which would have given them victory because of having lost fewer wickets.

The pair faced experienced bowler Toby Jacklin but managed to take two runs off the first three balls. A single off the next two meant two more would clinch the title but Collingham managed to restrict them to a single to take the cup for the first time.

For Collingham it set up the chance of a league and cup double. Ben Rhydding face a challenge to avoid relegation, but with the spirit they showed here, few would bet against them.